Summer Reading Challenge: Could your child read 30 books this summer?

The Around the World Summer Programme is designed to encourage young people in the capital to read more books

The Department of Culture and Tourism has announced a programme to encourage children in Abu Dhabi to read more books 

With the school holidays fast approaching, it's time to start thinking about how to keep your children entertained during those long, hot months. Fortunately, help is at hand. The Department of Culture and Tourism (Abu Dhabi) has announced a programme designed to encourage young people in the emirate to read more books.

One of the highlights of the Around the World Summer Programme, part of the Abu Dhabi Summer Season 2018, is the Summer Reading Challenge. The initiative challenges children aged six to 16 to read 30 books during the holidays by authors from across the globe. It is a big ask – almost one book every two days – so any young bookworms brave enough to tackle this challenge should include plenty of short books on their list. Those who complete the challenge will receive a gift.

Abdullah Majed Al Ali, acting Executive Director of the National Library Sector, said: “The benefits of reading for pleasure, whether story books, fact or fiction, especially at a young age, not only allows children to read and process information better, but also increases empathy, curiosity, and opens up doors for cultural understanding.”

Other activities available in participating Abu Dhabi libraries include the Young Librarian programme, which allows children aged 8 to 14 to experience life surrounded by literature. Those who take part will have the chance to see how a library really operates, while advising people on which books to read.

There will also be workshops at libraries across the emirate, including Al Wathba Library, Al Marfa Library and Khalifa Park Library, allowing children to learn skills such as origami, toy making and decoupage. A number of Arab authors, including Maitha Al Kayyat, Sara Al Hammadi and Ahmed Al Shoibi, will participate in these workshops.

For more information on the Summer Reading Programme, visit library.dctabudhabi.ae

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